We met at an event in Boston to make self portraits out of seemingly random household objects led by Israeli artist Hanoch Piven. Caleb was there for work, meeting new people and trying to make everyone feel welcomed. Jamie was only there because she was stood up on a Hinge date and needed human interaction after just finishing (and passing!) her qualifying exams for her PhD program. Caleb saw Jamie from across the room and introduced himself to her. When Jamie realized Caleb was just doing his job, she was a bit disappointed. The moment Caleb and Jamie met, the event photographer began taking photos of them. When they asked why, she stated, “you two just seem to really enjoy each other”. The event was the perfect way to meet someone new and as they got to know each other, it became much more than Caleb just doing his job. And for her part, Jamie is very grateful she was stood up. They consider this date their anniversary.

On a trip to Aspen in the summer, Jamie, Caleb, and two friends drove up to Jamie’s favorite place in the whole world, the Maroon Bells, to see the mountains at sunrise and start a long hike. While Jamie was stressing about the cloudiness index and if their timing would be correct, Caleb was cool and calm about the whole thing. After taking pictures of our friends, it was our turn. At one point Caleb turned to Jamie, tears in his eyes, and that’s when Jamie knew, and that is also when the profanity started. Our friend Caroline accepted Caleb’s proposal on Jamie’s behalf, as she was too busy swearing like a sailor (video evidence upon request). Then we all went on a 9 mile hike.